The holiest of Hindu shrines devoted to Lord Shiva, Pashupati draws the largest crowds of devotees and has vast tracts of land under its jurisdiction.

 World Cultural Heritage

Pashupatinath Temple

Kathmandu Valley

The holiest of Hindu shrines devoted to Lord Shiva, Pashupati draws the largest crowds of devotees and has vast tracts of land under its jurisdiction. The deceased are brought here for cremation along the banks of the Bagmati and many Hindu festivals bring devotees here for a dip in the river and to pay homage to their god Shiva. The largest crowds gather here for Shivaratri ‘the night of Shiva’ in the beginning of spring when along with devotees, sadhus (the holy men) arrive here in great numbers from India.

The largest stupa in Nepal, Boudha is not very far from Pashupati and should be included in the same tour. This magnificent shrine has been an important pilgrimage

 World Cultural Heritage

Boudhanath Stupa

Kathmandu Valley

The largest stupa in Nepal, Boudha is not very far from Pashupati and should be included in the same tour. This magnificent shrine has been an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world and especially from Tibet where Buddhism reached its pinnacle. In the vicinity of the stupa are many monasteries where hundreds of monks reside and foreigners take up courses in Buddhist studies. The largest crowds of devotees descend here for the Lhosar (the Tibetan New Year) festival in late winter or early spring.

Kathmandu Durbar Square or Hanumandhoka Durbar Square is the plaza in front of the old royal palace of the Kathmandu Kingdom.

 World Cultural Heritage

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Durbar Square or Hanumandhoka Durbar Square is the plaza in front of the old royal palace of the Kathmandu Kingdom. It is one of three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The most spacious of the three palace squares of the valley, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square also has fewer temples but more space for people to sit around.

 World Cultural Heritage

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Kathmandu Valley

The most spacious of the three palace squares of the valley, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square also has fewer temples but more space for people to sit around. The major attractions are the Golden Gate and the Fifty-five windows of the old palace. Worth a visit is the Art Gallery which houses some ancient artifacts. The art around Durbar Square is quite exceptional especially in the form of metal craft which includes some fine repouse work. This is where the remaining Malla kings took their last stand against the invading Gorkha army and lost their kingdoms.

Similar to Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square is a living museum enriched by art represented in the woodcarving, stone carving, metal work and superb architecture of the temples built centuries ago.

 World Cultural Heritage

Patan Durbar Square

Kathmandu Valley

Similar to Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square is a living museum enriched by art represented in the woodcarving, stone carving, metal work and superb architecture of the temples built centuries ago. Part of the old Malla era palace has been converted into a museum that showcases the art of old Lalitpur. The outstanding Krishna temple in stone is worth a visit.

Kathmandu Valley

Not far from Bhaktapur and accessible by car or bus, is one of the oldest temples of the valley, the Changu Narayan dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

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 World Cultural Heritage

Changu Narayan Temple

Kathmandu Valley

Not far from Bhaktapur and accessible by car or bus, is one of the oldest temples of the valley, the Changu Narayan dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Standing majestically on a hilltop, it overlooks a large part of the valley and boasts some wonderful sculptures. Eateries, souvenir shops and hotels line the steps leading up to the shrine. Built in the Lichhavi period, it dates back to the 4th Century AD.

Yet another powerful shrine and also one of the oldest, Swoyambhu is dominated by the Newar Buddhists. Perched atop a small hill

 World Cultural Heritage

Swayambhunath Stupa

Kathmandu Valley

Yet another powerful shrine and also one of the oldest, Swoyambhu is dominated by the Newar Buddhists. Perched atop a small hill, it is seen from most parts of the city and has a circular road around it for circumambulation where devotees are seen from early morning. A big draw for pilgrims from around the world, a near vertical staircase leads straight up to the stupa but there are also easier approaches. A great view of the city can be had from the shrine.

Panauti is an ancient town 32 Km southeast of Kathmandu. When King Yakshya Malla, the 15th Century ruler of Kathmandu valley decided to divide his kingdom among his children.

Panauti

Kathmandu Valley

Panauti is an ancient town 32 Km southeast of Kathmandu. When King Yakshya Malla, the 15th Century ruler of Kathmandu valley decided to divide his kingdom among his children, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan (Lalitpur) were handed over to his sons while his only daughter was given Panauti. Situated between the confluence of two rivers – Roshi and Punyamati, this old town is known to have been founded long before by Ananda Deva, who united several scattered villages in 1006 AD. One of the interesting facts about this town is that since it is believed to rest on one solid rock, earthquake impact is far less than in other areas that were severely damaged during the tremor of 2015.

When it comes to choosing a wildlife safari destination, Bardia National Park in west Nepal comes second only to Chitwan.

Bardia National Park

Lumbini Province

When it comes to choosing a wildlife safari destination, Bardia National Park in west Nepal comes second only to Chitwan. One of the reasons is its distance from Kathmandu, and also because of the comparatively fewer wildlife sightings here than in Chitwan National Park. But, there is one unsurpassable attraction that pulls visitors all the way to Bardia; there have been more tiger sightings in this pristine jungle than in any other park. And the majestic Royal Bengal tiger is what most safari enthusiasts are eager to encounter.

One of the most wellpreserved conservation areas in Asia and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chitwan National Park boasts a diverse wildlife, attracting record numbers of visitors.

 World Natural Heritage

Chitwan National Park

Bagmati Province

One of the most wellpreserved conservation areas in Asia and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chitwan National Park boasts a diverse wildlife, attracting record numbers of visitors. Hopes of catching a glimpse of the illusive Royal Bengal tiger fires up the imagination of tourists and brings some of them to Chitwan year after year. Lying in the sweltering plains, the region has a sub-tropical climate and winters are the ideal time to visit for a fascinating safari on elephant back, long jeep drives or a silent ride on a dug-out canoe, catching riverside wildlife by surprise. If bird watching is your passion, Chitwan has around 544 species of exotic birds. Resorts located outside the national park ensures all your needs are taken care of.

Favored by avid bird watchers, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern tarai is a natural destination for bird watching. In this bird watchers’ paradise, the pristine environment attracts a large number of migratory birds from as far as Siberia and the United Kingdom.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Province 1

Favored by avid bird watchers, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern tarai is a natural destination for bird watching. In this bird watchers’ paradise, the pristine environment attracts a large number of migratory birds from as far as Siberia and the United Kingdom. Established in 1976, the reserve protects the grassland and islands in the floodplains of Sapta Koshi River. It is also recognized as the last remaining habitat of the Arna (wild water buffalo). Birds like the beautiful Bengal florican and the majestic Sarus cranes are a bird watcher’s delight. More than 440 species of birds have been recorded here, including migratory birds from far and wide that arrive between November and February. There is no shortage of mammals and reptiles either as the reserve is home to wild boar, jackals, pythons and crocodiles. Many come to see the lovable Gangetic dolphins, an endangered species that live in the vast waters of river Koshi. Bird watching in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve begins right at the resort where the guests reside.

Lumbini, in southern Nepal is a pilgrimage site revered as the birthplace of the Buddha and designated a World Heritage Site.

 World Cultural Heritage

Lumbini

Lumbini Province

Lumbini, in southern Nepal is a pilgrimage site revered as the birthplace of the Buddha and designated a World Heritage Site. Buddha was born here more than 2500 years ago and Buddhists from around the globe arrive here to pay homage. Maya Devi temple and the Ashoka pillar are two important places to visit. The Ashoka pillar is said to have been erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC and bears an inscription confirming the location as the birth place of the Buddha. The international community has built some marvelous architecturally beautiful monasteries in the large gated complex.

20 km from the Mahendra Highway in the southern plains of Nepal, Janakpur is a historic city with ties to Lord Rama, the legendary King of Ayodhya.

Janakpur

Madhesh Province

20 km from the Mahendra Highway in the southern plains of Nepal, Janakpur is a historic city with ties to Lord Rama, the legendary King of Ayodhya. Once known as Mithila, it was the capital of the spiritual rulers, the Janakas. Sita also known as Janaki, was born here and married off to Rama, the hero of the epic ‘Ramayana’. Once the center of learning in ancient times, Mithila was home to hundreds of sages whose influence on Hindu philosophy is legendary.